Listen closely as we explore the Bukas-Loob sa Diyos Covenant Community. It all began with a group of dedicated couples seeking deeper connection.
The Bukas-Loob sa Diyos Covenant Community started in June 1985 in Manila. It is a Catholic charismatic community. The community empowers lay faithful. They promote the values of God’s Kingdom. This is done through renewal programs. These programs reach individuals, couples, and families.
The name Bukas Loob sa Diyos is quite meaningful. Bro. Angel J. Navarette proposed it. It expands on the word “Buklod.” “Bukas” comes from “Buk”. “Loob” comes from “Lo”. “Diyos” comes from “D”.
Unlike Buklod ng Pag-ibig, BLD broadened its scope. It included Life in the Spirit Seminars. They added Family, Youth, Singles, and Solo Parents Encounters. Their first Life in the Spirit Seminar used a 13-week format in 1983. Prayer meetings began on February 7, 1984.
The Bukas Loob sa Diyos Foundation Inc. was incorporated soon after. It was registered with the SEC on December 12, 1984. The community formalized its structure.
Fr. Pascual H. Adorable appointed the first Council of Elders on April 16, 1985. On June 19, 1985, almost 100 couples sealed their covenants. That day became the community’s anniversary.
Isaiah 58 inspired the Breaking the Yoke of Poverty Program in December 1985. The community expanded quickly. New communities sprang from BLD.
Individual members participate in leader discernment since 1993. The Spiritual Director discerns and chooses leaders. They act through the Word and Spirit. Servant leaders take sabbaticals after two 3-year terms.
During 1994-1997, sectors were organized. Institutes and centers served the larger church. BLD Manila divided into North, Central, and South Sectors. Ping and Vangie Tacad donated land in Dasmariñas Cavite. The BLD Covenant House now stands there.
Leaders also formed other communities. Some single members created CROSS. Many members served their parishes. They offered similar programs to BLD.
From its beginning until his death in 1997, Fr. Ado was BLD’s Spiritual Director. Bishop Crisostomo Yalung took over briefly. Bishop Angel N. Lagdameo was designated by the CBCP in 1998.
The BLD Global Structure foundation was set. BLD Manila operated as a separate district in 1999. Covenant of Communion revisions reflected global representation. The position of District Servant Leader was created.
In March 2001, Kiko Josef replaced Pat Lubaton. Josef became Servant Leader for Formation. Jay Llantada became Servant Leader for Mission.
Another Emergence in 2003 selected Executive Council members. They served until 2006. Eight District Servant Leaders constituted the Community Council. The Presiding Servant Leader rotated every 7 months.
In 2003, Serviam Charismatic Community sprung from BLD. Cardinal Sin gave the group its name. He wanted peace with the Bukas Loob sa Diyos Community.
Full-term districts have enough resources for mission work. Full-fledged districts can run their districts. Districts-in-process are mission areas. They are run by CORE Groups. A District Servant Leader represents each full-term district.
The BLD Community held its first Inter-District Conference in January 2004. Leaders attended from the Philippines, Hong Kong, US, and Canada. Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo reminded everyone: “We are to be faithful to the Lord.”
The Bukas-Loob sa Diyos Covenant Community continues to thrive. It serves as a testament to faith. It embodies service to others. The BLD community remains open to God.